Sharon Concert Band performs symphonic masterpieces

Wednesday

Mar 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM

By Caitlyn McGoff

Sharon@wickedlocal.com

SHARON - After a few moments of silence, the Sharon Concert Band filed on stage and took their places behind sheet music holders. The sounds of tuning instruments prepared the audience for the soon to begin Symphonic Masterworks Concert.

Although the band performs several shows a year, this particular night was dedicated to those works considered to be masterpieces that may not be performed at a usual concert.

"Usually we have certain thematic elements," Laura Sciarra, trombone, said. "The theme this time is great pieces of music."

During the performance, held March 22 at the Sharon Middle School, the audience heard a variety of pieces, including "Festive Overture," by Dmitri Shostakovich and "Pageant," by Vincent Persichetti. While the band played "Jupiter" by Gustave Holst, the auditorium was darkened for a projection screen that featured glowing images of the colorful planet.

In between each set, conductor and Artistic and Music Director Steve Bell, offered insight into the history of the pieceís composition. He explained that composer David R. Holsingerís daughter inspired "Havendance," which was written because of her name and love of dance. Bell encouraged the audience to learn more about the pieces they heard throughout the show and to explore related pieces.

"[The show is] fantastic, really fantastic," Linda Woodward of Stoughton said. "The education that the conductor gives is excellent."

Woodward and her husband, Rick, attend many Sharon Concert Band performances to support their daughter-in-law, who is a member, and said they enjoy seeing live music.

"[Symphonic Masterworks] is a lot different than their usual shows," Rick Woodward said. "Itís a nice change."

With the matching black and white attire and stage lights glinting off of polished brass instruments, the band has a professional quality to the level of their performances, but the members are all volunteers and many consider the band an escape from their day jobs.

"I do science all day," Sciarra said. "[Playing in the band] is a creative outlet of sorts."

Sciarra also explained that the group met every week since late fall in preparation for the show, plus additional practice time at home. She said the effort was worth the reward, since she saw playing her instrument as a welcome break from her day.

"I donít think it matters what you play," she said. "Just play something you like and the rest comes afterwards."

The Sharon Concert Band has several upcoming events, including "From Sousa to Chicago" on April 6 and the 26th Annual Pops Concert on June 7.